Edmonton's 46th Outdoor Way of the Cross March Prays for Justice on Good Friday
Hundreds of participants marched through Edmonton's core on a chilly, foggy morning this Good Friday, praying for justice during the 46th annual Outdoor Way of the Cross procession. The slow-paced, two-hour walk began and concluded at the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, bringing together individuals from diverse churches and faith groups to five significant inner-city locations.
A Living Gospel in the Streets
Bob McKeon of the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples described the event as making "the gospel alive in the streets." While not a replacement for traditional church sermons, McKeon emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting he has attended nearly every march since its inception, missing only two or three times over 46 years.
This year's theme was deeply rooted in scripture, specifically the Book of Matthew. McKeon quoted the passage: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." He connected this to biblical accounts of Jesus suffering injustice, drawing parallels to modern-day struggles faced by many.
Reflections on Current Injustices
At each station, speakers addressed contemporary issues aligning with the themes of protecting rights and combating injustice. The first station honored Samuel Bird, a 14-year-old boy whose death and hidden body prompted extensive searches last summer. Elder Garry Gairdner of Sacred Heart Church recalled the "long season of anguish, uncertainty and relentless searching," highlighting the persistent hope that "every child matters, every Indigenous child matters, that love does not give up."
In front of the King Thunderbird Centre, Boyle Street Community Services' new facility, Maria Kruszewski of the Inner City Pastoral Ministry spoke about providing abundance to the less fortunate. She shared a poignant story of a young unhoused woman found sheltering under cardboard in winter, lacking proper clothing. Kruszewski described helping her get clothed, offering a hot sweet coffee, and witnessing her sleep through a sermon after finally warming up.
"In a province and country as well off as ours, there is no excuse for anyone to be hungry, or naked, or homeless," Kruszewski asserted, underscoring the march's call to action.
Community Participation and Symbolism
Participants, wearing mukluks, boots, and sneakers, trudged through mud, puddles, and slush, embodying the physical and spiritual journey of the procession. Thomas McKercher, who helped carry the large wooden cross for his ninth consecutive year, kept it upright during speeches, symbolizing the enduring presence of faith and solidarity throughout the event.
The Outdoor Way of the Cross continues to serve as a powerful tradition in Edmonton, blending religious observance with social advocacy. By taking prayers to the streets, participants not only commemorate Good Friday but also actively engage with pressing community issues, fostering a collective commitment to justice and compassion in the city's heart.
